Disclaimer: I am not Tolkien
AN: So I'm sad to say I'm officially that author who ignores a story for months after promising a deadline. Apologies for the long delay in updates but rest assured I'm officially back on track. Thank you to those of you who have stuck with me and sent me the numerous encouraging messages and reviews. Anyway- on with the story…
As Always: Italics are Elvish.
Happy Reading!
Chapter 16: Of Ents and Hobbits
To say the question was unexpected would be a vast understatement. The wizard could do nothing but stare at the young elleth in front of him for a few moments. "Do you- Are you-" He couldn't bring himself to phrase the question. The girl was barely into adulthood by any reckoning, was she already called to the sea? She and Legolas had just come to an understanding, would she still be with them by the time peace could be achieved? It was unlike the Valar to be so needlessly unkind. As if sensing his internal disquiet the elleth jumped in and interrupted the dark thoughts.
"I am not experiencing it myself. To be honest I do not even know if I can even experience the sea longing considering what I am." The elleth's calm was reassuring and Gandalf allowed himself to relax momentarily.
"Then why ask about it?" Gandalf was confused. Confusion was not a state of mind he'd become closely acquainted with over the years and he did not appreciate the sudden introduction.
"I'm seriously considering altering an elf's path so that they do not fall to the sea longing. My knowledge tells me they fight it for many years before sailing and I was always under the impression it can be downright painful. I'd like to spare them pain if possible." That did not explain why she was asking him.
Nina was betrothed to an ellon, such questions about elves would be far more accurately answered by and elf who could… "Legolas" he whispered, finally understanding her reasoning. Nina nodded slightly and the old wizard could see the glassy effect of held back tears.
"I just need more information and the elves I asked about it in Lothlorien when I was using the mirror refused to talk about it." He voice was steady and determined. Sometimes Gandalf was truly amazed by the resilience of this slip of a girl who, by all rights, should have fallen from the emotional and mental strain of her situation these past weeks. She met his eyes and a tear finally breached the restraint she was clearly struggling with. "You cannot tell him. When it happens it is in a place he needs to be but I think I can alter the situation if I time everything correctly."
Gandalf nodded solemnly after a moment of consideration. He then delved into his extensive and erratic knowledgebase and proceeded to spout everything he knew about the Elvin affliction. It was not a topic commonly discussed to outsiders or even within the Elvin community as it was a source of much pain. The concept of a natural death was foreign to elves and so to lose a loved one who is by all rights healthy to a burning and overwhelming desire to sail West was traumatic for those left behind. That Nina said Legolas fought such a condition for many years was impressive but likely caused him a near constant pain. If Nina could stop or delay such a thing she would save the ellon she loved from a dire, if survivable, situation.
Once he'd imparted all the information he could the wizard watched in awe as the elleth took a few steadying breaths, wiped her face clear of tears, and presented him with a grateful smile before going to saddle her horse. He could not decide if the bizarre mix of human traits and Elvin traits was a miracle or a curse. On one side, Nina was remarkably adaptive and able to consider so many possible reactions to a situation because she was capable of feeling conflicting emotions almost as a matter of course. On the other hand, her inability to control or focus such reactions coupled with the intensity of Elvin feelings had already caused strife in her young life that many of her elders had never experienced.
The wizard watched as the elleth ran a hand through Tala's mane and murmured to her in accented Elvish. Perhaps her impending return to Lothlorien would be for the best. She clearly had tasks yet to complete but Gandalf hoped seeing her surrogate family and the Lady of Light would serve to ground her again in a way spending time among the chaos of Rohan had not. His eyes flicked over to the ellon she'd promised herself to. They were a perfect match, in his opinion, and he knew the separation would be difficult for both of them especially as Nina couldn't divulge her reasons. The Mirkwood Prince was conversing with Aragorn and Gimli but his gaze flicked to Nina every few minutes as if reflexively. Gandalf smiled slightly as he returned to camp to repack his bag; at least something positive had come from this whole mess.
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Legolas had managed to restrain his curiosity when Nina wen to speak with Gandalf. He had contented himself with the occasional glance to check on her while he helped Gimli and Aragorn pack up their small camp and put out the fire. Judging by Gimli and Aragorn's amused glanced and loud rhetorical questions about when the wedding would be he was not being nearly as clandestine in his actions as he'd hoped. "Oh just go to her already!" The dwarf finally exclaimed in exasperation. Legolas shot the ornery dwarf a grin before grabbing his and Nina's packs and heading towards the horses.
Tala alerted the elleth who was absent mindedly brushing her down to Legolas' approach and she treated the ellon to a warm smile before turning back to her task. "I wish this could all just be over. I can practically taste what the world will be like when this is all over. Can you imagine it?" The elleth asked after she had turned her back.
Legolas stepped forward to wrap his arms around her waist from behind and rested his chin on top of her head. "We'll get through the rest of this because we must. Once we've succeeded you and I will be married and we can start our lives together. We can go wherever you want and hopefully neither of us will see a real battle for a long time." He tilted his head to give her a kiss on her cheek and the two of them stood suspended in the moment of hopeful contemplation until the horn call to muster the horses for travel broke through. Legolas released her and handed her the pack of her belongings before moving to saddle Arod.
The men were mostly silent as they set about loading their travel packs onto the horses and mounting up. It was only a few minutes later when the king gave a shout and the riders fell into their standard column. Legolas kept pace with his elleth as they joined the rest of the Fellowship and tried not to groan when he heard Gimli spreading their good news to Théoden and Eomer in front of them. Both royals turned slightly in their saddles to offer their congratulations and Legolas could see Nina smiling at the easy acceptance. He truly would have to pay closer attention to how the humans around them reacted to his elleth. As much as he dreaded the moment she would leave them again he couldn't help but wonder if it was perhaps for the best that she get away from the harsh judgment especially if it meant she would be avoiding the coming battles.
The closer they came to Isengard the more noticeable Nina's excited fidgeting became. For nearly an hour the ellon had been repressing the urge to laugh at her childlike excitement and shared multiple amused grins with Aragorn who rode on the elleth's other side. He knew they were about to reunite with two of their departed Hobbits but it was moments like these that reminded him just how young his intended was.
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"Welcome, my lord, to Isengard" Merry's voice rang out across the wasteland surrounding the tower. It was only after the first ten or so riders passed through the trees surrounding the clearing that he spotted the unexpected addition to the party of warriors. Pippin began slapping his shoulder excitedly and pointing.
"Nina!" the younger hobbit shouted and flung himself into her outstretched arms for a hug when she rode her horse close to their little island of rock. Merry laughed at Pippin's eagerness and silently admitted to being quite excited to see her as well.
"Hello boys. I told you going with Treebeard wouldn't bring you off the course of an adventure." The elleth grinned at them slyly. Merry once again was taken aback by the impact mortal expressions playing across an elf's face could have. If his guess about Legolas and Nina back in Lothlorien was correct then Legolas was certainly a lucky man… elf.
Gimli interrupted the warm reunion in what the hobbit assumed was his rough attempt to show affection. "You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you, feasting and …smoking!"
"We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good." Naturally Pippin had to rub the dwarf's nose in it.
Gimli gasped out the words "Salted pork?" and looked at the ration Marry had in his hand. In a show of rare food-related charity Merry handed his food over to the salivating dwarf.
"Hobbits." Gandalf shook his head in exasperation. Now really, just because Gandalf was a million years old and was only ever fun when he had fireworks was no reason to take it out on them.
Feeling the need to defend himself as well as hobbits in general Merry argued "We're under orders, from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard."
Summoned by the commotion the aforementioned Ent approached the group. Merry would admit that when he and Pippin had first met the walking-talking treehearder they'd been shocked but he hoped his face hadn't looked as ridiculous as those most of the men at arms were sporting.
Treebeard's gravelly voice boomed warmly "Young Master Gandalf. I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master. But there is a Wizard to manage here, locked in his tower."
A well-dressed warrior who identified himself as Eomer offered him a ride and Merry accepted only mildly put out that Pippin got to ride with Nina who he still wanted to speak with and thank for her encouragement in Fangorn. The company moved forward towards the tower and Merry could hear Aragorn, Gimli, and Gandalf mutter amongst themselves.
Merry repressed a shiver as Saruman's voice echoed unnaturally across the water-covered plain surrounding the great tower. The foreboding nature of the evil wizard's words washed over him and he looked to Gandalf as the imprisoned wizard shouted about the impossibility of Frodo and Sam's quest.
It was Gimli who shook the Hobbit from his reverie as he shouted "I've heard enough!" and then added in what counted as a whisper from the dwarf "Shoot him. Stick an arrow in his gob." While as a general rule hobbits were not fond of violence of any sort Merry found himself agreeing with Gimli's advice. Sadly, Gandalf insisted on mercy despite Saruman's instance he did not want it.
The horse he an Eomer shared reared slightly when Saruman threw a cloud of fire at Gandalf and Merry clutched the man in front of him thinking longingly of the relative safety in riding atop Treebeard. Events unfolded in rapid succession then as Gandalf exploded Saruman staff, someone Théoden had called Grima stabbed Saruman in the back, and Legolas shot said stabber. Before he knew it the great white wizard had fallen and the company stood in shocked silence before Treebeard commented, "The filth of Saruman id washing away. Trees will come back to live here. Young trees, wild trees." At the mention of wild trees Merry thought uncomfortably of the tree that had almost eaten himself and Pippin after they drank the water which had caused them to grow in Fangorn Forest. Treebeard seemed a bit too excited about killer trees taking up residence beyond the borders of Fangorn if you asked him. Speaking of Pippin, Merry thought to himself, what was he up to?
The younger hobbit had jumped down from his seat behind Nina and was picking something up from beneath the murk of the battlefield. Merry saw a flash of a dark colored orb before Gandalf snatched it out of the hobbits grasp and quickly covered it. Merry tried to fight down the burning curiosity that came from Gandalf's reaction.
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Legolas was finding it hard to tear his eyes off of Nina which wouldn't have been such an issue if he wasn't supposed to be keeping watch. The company was slated to arrive at Edoras by noon the flowing day and Legolas found himself both anxious to arrive and dreading their entrance to the city. On the one hand, it would be far easier to find time to speak with his betrothed in the city where they had the luxury of closed doors to maintain some sort of privacy. On the other hand their arrival at Edoras would be tainted by Nina's eminent departure. Logically Legolas knew her leaving was necessary and likely the safer option for her but a large part of him objected loudly to the idea of being parted form her just after securing their relationship.
The selfish desires which had begun flooding him recently continued to surprise him. Of course it was natural that he felt possessive of his intended and that he wish her to be nearby but he was not some lovesick elfling and he had responsibilities just as she did. Which brought him back to why he was staring at her sleeping form. Before him on the wide branch of the tree he'd perched upon for watch was a blank square of paper and inked pen. He needed to send word of him impending nuptials to his father. Unfortunately, he was not quite sure how to phrase the message. He rolled ideas around in his mind explaining how he met the elleth he gazed upon, how he loved her, and how he intended to marry her as soon as the war was over. Naturally, given the slightly strained relationship he had with his father any note he sent would be awkwardly worded and somehow manage to elicit some sort of negative reaction. After all, he had left with the fellowship form Imaldris without informing his father of his intentions and had not spared a moment to inform him of any developments.
That the prince of Mirkwood was engaged would likely shock Thranduil and Legolas could only hope that his father would be happy for him. He was certain that once the Elvenking had met Nina he would love her. The elleth had the spirit of the wilder wood-elves of his kingdom and Legolas believed that she may actually feel more at home among his people than she believed she would. But of course, before he could actually bring her to his home he would have to notify his father of her existence… Sighing, Legolas tore his gaze from his sleeping elleth and forced himself to write the needed letter.
Having completed his self-appointed task, Legolas stashed the message away in his pack and moved to rouse the guard responsible for the next watch. Just because he did not require as much rest as the men of the company did not mean he didn't wish to rest beside his elleth and indulge in the waking dreams he knew awaited him.
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Morning, as usual, came too soon. Nina woke to the pleasant surprise of Legolas' arm around her and struggled not to turn into his warmth and return to her dreams. There was no time for that. In a few hours the host of Rohan's finest would return to Edoras with the Grey Company and Nina would be one step close to having to leave. While mentally convincing herself that she really did have to get up Nina made a mental list of everything she needed to get done before she left the following day. She needed to write the letter she was going to ask Legolas to pass on for her, she needed to make sure something was done about Eowyn (even if she did find the Human woman hateful and almost deserving of the hurt she brought upon herself), and lastly she needed to soak in as much time with Legolas as possible before departing. She knew that leaving to resolve the issue of his sea longing was necessary (and hopefully possible) and that it would save him pain was the only reason she was really willing to be parted from him as he rushed headlong into danger without her.
"Good morning my love. Did you sleep well?" Legolas pressed a kiss against her forehead and she smiled warmly at the sleepy yet content expression on his face. Some times like this the fact that he was hers and that this life was really hers amazed her. Was it really only months ago she was unceremoniously plucked from her solitary life as a human in another world? Such musings inevitably brought back the storm of unresolved emotions tied to her transformation and the losses shed endured due to the Valar's interference. With a great deal of effort she kept her face calm and found the strength to smile at the ellon next to her.
"I always sleep well when you are near." She replied to his question in the common tongue, far too distracted to chance her still uncertain grasp of the Elven tongue. At this point she understood most of what was said to her but she was still having trouble accessing the right words to express what she wanted to say and often found herself talking around words she couldn't remember or pronounce. Legolas' teachings had done her immense good but no one could truly become fluent in a language in less than half a year. It was with that thought that Nina sat up with wide-shocked eyes and gasped, "Oh!"
The abrupt movement startled Legolas and caught the attention of the other members of the fellowship who had been awake and studiously ignoring the sickeningly in love couple. "What is it?" Gimli's gruff question shook her from her shocked sate slightly and she turned form staring off into space counting the days she's been in Middle Earth to smile at her friends.
"I turned twenty yesterday!" She announced proudly laughing slightly at the wince Legolas gave at the inexplicably small number of years and the bemused expression which adorned the faces of the others.
"Congratulations little one. You are making me feel old." Legolas quipped quietly with a wry grin.
Nina tilter her head and blinked at him innocently before commenting "Sweetheart you've been alive for almost 3000 years. You're not old; you're positively ancient." Legolas looked slightly affronted and Nina couldn't hold in her laughter. She was joined in her mirth by the rest of the fellowship much to Legolas' apparent displeasure and the sight of the noble elf with what may have been a Elvish pout on his face caused Nina to dissolve back into a fit of laughter just as she was regaining her composure. Finally, when she'd calmed down again she leaned into him and hugged him tightly while whispering "But I love you anyway." The words seemed to mollify the disgruntled elf as he tightened his arms around her briefly before releasing her with a smile on his face.
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The gates of Edoras loomed near and Gandalf couldn't help but notice the anxious energy emanating from the elleth by his side. Knowing what he did about her coming task he supposed the nerves were to be expected but the sight of a regal elf fidgeting was still enough to wring a small smile from him and distract from darker thoughts.
The soldiers were welcomed as returning heroes by the people who had repopulated Edoras in the past day. Gandalf raised a skeptical eyebrow when they were informed a great fest was to be held in their honor. While the wizard had never been one to begrudge someone the mirth of a celebration he was well aware that for all their airs Rohan was not a wealthy kingdom. The Hobbits and Gimli alone would probably eat them out of house and home. Knowing there was no stopping Eowyn, who was clearly trying to play the role of hostess with everything she had, Gandalf contented himself with watching the revelry from afar particularly when Legolas became involved in a drinking game of all things with Gimli. A small childish part of the ancient wizard wished Thranduil could see his only heir now. Consorting with dwarves, engaging in public affections with his intended, and looking completely at ease in the realm of men. Shaking his head Gandalf dismissed the idea- the Elvenking would get enough a shock from learning of Legolas' engagement.
Speaking of Legolas' intended, Gandalf hadn't seen her since she'd gone off with a servant to find her room (not that she looked overly pleased to be parted from the ellon). As it looked like the others had everything well in hand, Gandalf slid out of the great hall to find Nina. He absently traced his was through a multitude of corridors refusing to admit even to himself that he could possibly have lost his way. The map of this castle was somewhere in the miasma of his memory but for the life of him he couldn't recall it at the moment. No matter, if he continued to wander he'd either find his way outside or find the elleth he sought.
Several minutes later found Gandalf pausing before the corner of the hallway he'd been following. He'd heard Nina's voice and that of another woman that he could now place as the King's niece Eowyn. He'd heard from Aragorn during their travels that the Lady and Nina had not gotten on well since their first meeting though no one seemed to know why. Perhaps this was a chance to find out? Feeling like a child Gandalf leaned against the stone wall and settled in for a quality session of eavesdropping that would make Samwise very proud if he ever deigned to tell the wayward Hobbit.
"My Lady, I'm not saying these things to hurt you! I simply believed you would like to know your regard is not returned before you became attached and got hurt." Nina's voice held a quality of impatience which gave Gandalf the impression this was not the beginning of the conversation. Was Nina addressing the Lady's misplaced affections for Aragorn?
"Is the elf not enough for you Lady Nina," Eowyn all but spat out in response and continued on a tirade, "you simply wish to keep Aragorn for yourself! You think you are so much better than I am; do you not? You are allowed to fight among the men. You have been traveling with the company for some time. Are you so jealous that their affections may extend beyond yourself that you resort to lies she-elf? Tell me, does your Master Legolas mind that his future wife opens her legs for any male? Do you lower yourself even for the Hobbits? They appear awfully fond of you."
Gandalf was just about to interfere on the young girl's behalf when the icy time of her voice froze him on the spot. Never had he heard the elleth or any other elf for that matter speak with such cold malice. "You will never," Nina stated as he heard her take several steps towards the human woman who had fallen silent "speak of my friends in such a manner again. They are all noble men of character and I will not have some ignorant chit like you defaming them even in private. If you dislike me you will take issue with me alone. The Fellowship is above reproach and you are not worthy to know them. As for my betrothed, how Legolas and I comport ourselves is none of your concern. I will remind you that aside from myself the company I keep outclasses you in leaps and bounds. You would do well to remember your manners." The power behind her words was impressive. He heard the sound of shuffled human footsteps as Eowyn ran off- no doubt terrified by the scolding she'd just received. Had Eowyn been a man, Gandalf was fairly certain Nina would have hit her just to drive the point home.
"Mithrandir, I can hear you breathing. Will you not come out of hiding?" Nina's question surprised the wizard but not more than the almost broken quality of her voice. He hastily rounded the corner and was shocked to see tears running down Nina's face silently. Indeed the girl didn't appear to even know she was crying. "Somehow I do not believe I convinced her to give up her affection for Aragorn." The flat tone of her voice was slightly worrying and Gandalf approached her cautiously. He'd known she was having trouble with the emotions of elves and had silently remarked upon his awe such a dichotomy was not tearing her apart. Apparently he was mistaken. The elleth before him looked as if she was torn to shreds internally and he marveled at how skilled she was at pretending to be fine.
"As much as I tend to shy away from spite I am tempted to say she deserves her fate." The wizard placed a comforting arm around her shoulders lightly and squeezed her to his side gently as she let out a sound that was half laugh and half sob. A hand traveled to her face and wiped under her eyes as she finally realized she was crying.
"I promised myself I would try. I tried. There's no more I can do for her nor am I inclined to continue down the doomed path of trying to play nice with such a woman." Nina's crying appeared to be more under control as her words were regaining their strength. "I suppose it is a good thing I leave in the morning. I'm liable to be exiled form the country at this rate." This time her laugh was more genuine and Gandalf let out a breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding in.
"The people of Rohan have never been overly fond of elves in the first place." Gandalf assured her with a grin. "Will you come to the feast or would you like to rest? Your absence has been noticed but I'm sure no one would begrudge you a night of actual rest all things considered." Gandalf was internally shocked at the almost paternal wave of protectiveness that washed over him at the thought of her tears a few minutes ago. The girl was truly a marvel.
"I suppose I should come down. I simply need a moment to change. Would you mind waiting for me?" Nina nodded to the closed door behind her. Ah so he was in the woman's quarters. He was fairly certain he knew how to get back down to the main hall from here. He nodded assent to her request and maintained an encouraging smile until she shut her door behind her.
Once she was out of sight Gandalf allowed his face to slide into a frown. He'd thought before that Nina returning to Caras Galadhon was coming at a good time but the more he thought of it the more concerned he became about her traveling alone. She was clearly not in an entirely stable place emotionally and she really was so young despite being more experienced than many human women her age. Perhaps he should share his concerns with Legolas. After all, the ellon was more likely to convince her take any sort of safety precaution than he was. As fond of the girl as he was it was true that they barely knew each other.
Nina stepped out of her room in a gown and Gandalf blinked at her for a moment before smiling. The gown was a deep green elvish design and Nina looked beautiful. "You are beautiful, my friend" Gandalf remarked extending his arm to escort her down to the feast they were missing. Nina raised an eyebrow at the courtly gesture.
"See, this is why I never wear these cursed things. I start dressing like a Lady and men seem to forget I just killed a whole bunch of uruk-hai at Helms Deep." She huffed in mock annoyance and grinned at him.
"I do believe we are in no danger of forgetting how dangerous you are elfling." He ruffled her loose hanging hair slightly and enjoyed her annoyed attempt to put the perfectly straight hair back into its proper place. "Now why don't you go rescue Legolas before he gets dragged into another drinking game?" As they entered the door to the great hall Gandalf nodded towards the corner where Gimli and some of the men were becoming increasingly intoxicated by the moment while Legolas looked on in obvious amusement.
Nina took a step in the direction of Legolas before turning back to him and grasping his hand as she met his gaze directly. "Thank you." She said with feeling and she squeezed his captive hand and smiled almost sadly at the wizard in front of her.
"Of course, my friend. Now off with you. I do believe you will disappoint Merry and Pippin excessively if you do not manage to have at least a little fun this evening. By the by, do they look taller to you?" His knowing smile earned him a conspiratorial wink from the elleth who clearly knew about the water they'd drunk among the Ents.
With that Nina strode off in route to Legolas. He saw her pause momentarily when Eowyn approached Aragorn with the Cup of Victory but she simply shook her head and kept moving towards her betrothed who looked up as if he felt her presence. Knowing elves, Gandalf thought, he very well may have. Gandalf relaxed slightly when the tension visibly drained form Nina's body as Legolas grasped her hand and laid a chaste kiss upon her palm before wrapping an arm around her waist. The wizard could see numerous incredulous and disproving stares aimed at the pair but they appeared oblivious to the attention their casual affection received. Perhaps, the wizard thought, the elleth would be all right after all.